White Pine

Pinus strobus

Our White Pine is steam distilled from wild-gathered needles in the mountains of Quebec.  It has a slightly sweeter , fresh scent than the other pines. The tree itself is very large, and is even considered to the tallest native tree in eastern North America.

This pine is harvested from some of the same areas as Hemlock Spruce. As per Arctander’s information, this “Weymouth Pine” is native from Wisconsin east into New York State and up into Quebec, but grows throughout the northeast and even through the Appalachians into the south. At the time of writing (1960) harvesting this oil for oil was practically abandoned. Traditional uses are for ships masts, and it was frequently used for flooring in pre-US civil war buildings, although it’s not really hard enough as a timber.

White pine is considered by Iroquois Confederacy as “The Tree of Peace” and this tree has been respected and treasured in the United States, especially old trees.

According to Wikipedia, Eastern White Pine needles have plenty of vitamin C, and make an excellent herbal tea. It’s also a source of resveratrol. Eastern White Pine is the Provincial Tree of Ontario. It’s also the State Tree of Maine and Michigan. The “pine cone and tassel” is also the State Flower of Maine. Sprigs of Pinus strobus were worn as badges as a symbol of Vermont and depicted in the stained-glass window in the Vermont State House., and also on the naval ensign of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Maine

Also from Wikipedia, the name “Adirondack” is an Iroquois word meaning “Tree-Eater” and referring to their Algonquin neighbors, who collected the inner bark of Pinus strobus and other pines to eat during the lean winter. This soft inner bark could be pounded and used as flour or to stretch other starches. The Ojibwe people cook the young cones with meat in stews, and this is supposed to be quite delicious. The resin has been used to waterproof baskets, pails, and boats, and by the Chippewa against infections.

Battaglia says

Pine in general is known for alleviation of bronchial and sinus congestion, especially when blended with oils like eucalyptus, manuka, myrtle, tea tree, etc

There’s not a lot specifically on the aromatherapeutic indications of White Pine essential oil, but it’s a sweet and warmly wonderful conifer oil.

Pines

Maine woods twilight

A pine tree state

Of mind

----Kristen Lindquist